WEAF CEO

The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) has started the search for a new chief executive to steer the organisation amid the huge growth of the aerospace industry.

The southwest aerospace cluster is the largest in Europe, offering over £6bn in sales and 20,000 jobs. The board of WEAF is seeking a person who is dynamic, knowledgeable about the global, national and regional aerospace agenda, commercially astute with proven business development and project management skills, and able to maintain relations across industry stakeholders.
For further information www.weaf.co.uk

Matsuura expands 3D printing range

Matsuura Machinery Ltd is now an authorised UK reseller of the HP Jet Fusion 3D printing solutions, adding to the company’s additive manufacturing division.

The HP Jet Fusion 3D printer is designed for prototyping and short-run manufacturing needs, with high productivity to meet same-day demands. Roger Howkins, managing director at Matsuura Machinery Ltd, says: “Our experience and knowledge in the additive manufacturing sector spans many years, so customers looking to explore this market can expect to receive high levels of support from our additive team.”
For further information www.matsuura.co.uk

ETG signs software deal with CAMplete

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has joined forces with CAMplete to supply the latter’s software across the UK and Ireland.

ETG has signed the deal to help its customers avoid expensive collisions and interferences, while optimising processes to ensure the best possible machine cycle times. The solutions are available on all new machines sales, including Nakamura-Tome, Chiron, Hardinge Bridgeport, Quaser and Bavius models. CAMplete joins ETG’s already established software portfolio,
with products that include Mastercam and CIMCO.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

New tier one AMRC member named

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has joined the University of Sheffield’s AMRC as a tier one member.

As part of the partnership agreement, Mills CNC has supplied two Doosan machine tools to the AMRC – a TT1800SY twin-turret/twin-spindle turning centre, and a DNM 6700 vertical machining centre. Both machines are being used in a major Boeing-initiated research and development programme into the future manufacture of actuator parts and assemblies. The programme is focused on continuous improvement and best practice.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

£3m technical academy opens

The West Midlands has received a major productivity boost with the launch of a £3m technical academy that will help bridge the skills gap and get the region ready for the next industrial revolution.

In-Comm Training unveiled the 24,000 sq ft training space in Aldridge last month. The project has been a true employer-led collaboration with no fewer than 12 manufacturers contributing investment, expertise and input into its creation.
Backed by £733,000 of Black Country LEP Growth Deal funding, the centre is fitted out with CNC machine tools, automation, a robotics line, metrology equipment and fluid power stations. Also housed will be material testing, material handling and grinding capabilities, as well as a 16-seat Mastercam and CIMCO CADCAM studio to help students develop their design for manufacturing skills.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk